What is REPS studying for ACL reconstruction rehabilitation?

REPS is being studied to see if adding psychological support to exercise rehabilitation improves mental readiness and knee function after ACL surgery. This trial, sponsored by HealthPartners Institute, compares REPS with standard rehabilitation to understand if the combined approach helps young athletes recover better. Participants will follow exercise programs with or without psychological support videos and trained therapists.

Who may be eligible for this ACL reconstruction rehabilitation clinical trial?

Individuals aged 15 to 21 who are active in sports requiring cutting, jumping, or pivoting and are scheduled for ACL reconstruction using specific tendon autografts may be eligible. They should have no previous ACL surgeries and be able to attend rehabilitation at designated centers. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this ACL reconstruction rehabilitation clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the rehabilitation program and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and related expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants can plan accordingly for any travel needs during the study period.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 15Years - 21Years

All Genders

ID06991192

Study Comparing Exercise Rehabilitation With and Without Psychological Support After ACL Reconstruction in Teens and Young Adults

Led by HealthPartners Institute · Updated on 2026-05-05

Participants Needed

Research Sites

39 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two approaches to rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament ACL reconstruction in young patients aged 15 to 21 years. The study compares Rehabilitation with Exercise and Psychological Support REPS, which integrates exercise with psychological guidance, to standard rehabilitation without specialized psychological support. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to see if REPS improves psychological readiness and knee function more than standard care during recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will follow standard exercise protocols for ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps tendon autografts, with optional additional therapies like electrical stimulation or manual therapy. The REPS group will receive extra psychological support through trained physical therapists and patient training videos focusing on mental skills and recovery mindset. All participants will watch group-specific videos and receive exercise guidance via an online platform. Participants will attend four study visits over six months one before surgery and three during follow-up after surgery. Assessments include psychological readiness for sport, fear of movement, knee function, pain, range of motion, and strength tests at various time points before and after surgery. Researchers will also monitor the feasibility and acceptance of REPS, collecting questionnaires about empathy and therapeutic alliance. The study follows participants for six months post-surgery to evaluate outcomes.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation With Exercise and Psychological Support

Who Can Participate

Age: 15Years - 21Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Age 15 to 21 years at the time of surgery
Pre-injury Tegner Activity Rating of 5 or higher (recreational to elite sports)
Participation in sports for at least 100 hours per year before injury
Intent to return to a sport involving cutting, jumping, or pivoting
ACL reconstruction performed within 6 months of injury
ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone or quadriceps tendon autograft
Ability to complete rehabilitation at one of the 4 participating TRIA locations

You will not qualify if you...

Previous ACL injury or surgery on either leg
Ligament injury greater than Grade II or requiring surgery
Surgery on articular cartilage needing non-weight-bearing after surgery

Research Team

TRIA Research

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